Comparison of the study skills of college students majoring in elementary and secondary education

Abstract

Abstract Differences between the study skills of 146 college seniors majoring in elementary education and 115 college seniors majoring in secondary education at a university in the mid‐South were examined. Both samples of students appropriately engaged in less than 60% of the study skills measured. Though the overall level of study skills did not differ between these groups, a discriminant analysis revealed that they took different approaches to studying. Elementary education majors reported general lifestyles that were more conducive to academic achievement (e.g., obtained adequate sleep) than were reported by secondary education majors. Secondary education majors, however, were less likely to waste actual study time and had better note‐taking skills than elementary education majors. In addition, elementary education majors could ascertain important facts easier than secondary education majors, but secondary education majors were better able to apply facts from school to understand events outside school. The need for study skills programs to address the unique needs of each group is discussed.